Cricket’s fastest centuries are a testament to a batsman’s ability to dominate and accelerate, delivering thrilling performances that leave fans and opponents alike in awe. Across the three formats of international cricket—One Day Internationals (ODIs), T20 Internationals, and Test matches—batters have shattered records with mind-blowing centuries, scored in the blink of an eye. Let’s take a look at the fastest centuries across these formats.
Fastest Century in ODIs: Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
The record for the fastest century in One Day Internationals (ODIs) belongs to Shahid Afridi of Pakistan. He achieved this remarkable feat in just 37 balls against Sri Lanka in 1996. Known for his explosive batting style, Afridi’s century came at a time when ODI cricket was transforming into a high-octane format. His knock remains iconic, illustrating the power and aggression that Afridi brought to the game.
Fastest Century in T20 Internationals: David Miller (South Africa)
In T20 cricket, the record for the fastest century is held by David Miller of South Africa, who scored a blistering century in just 35 balls against Bangladesh in 2017. This incredible knock helped him etch his name into the record books, showcasing his ability to clear the boundary with ease and pace, even in the shortest format of the game.
Fastest Century in Test Cricket: Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)
In Test cricket, the fastest century is held by Brendon McCullum of New Zealand, who reached his hundred in just 54 balls against Australia in 2016. McCullum’s record-breaking knock was a thrilling demonstration of his attacking mindset and desire to push the boundaries of Test cricket, a format known for its slower pace.
Fast centuries are the pinnacle of aggressive batting, and the players who set these records—Afridi, Miller, and McCullum—are celebrated for their ability to change the course of a match in a matter of minutes. These remarkable achievements continue to inspire cricketers around the world to chase new records and bring more excitement to the game.
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